Foreign lorries must make a contribution
16 August 2007
A new report by the Conservative Party’s policy review has called for all foreign lorries to be charged for using British roads. Under the scheme, all lorries would have to pay charges for road use but British hauliers would have corresponding cuts in their diesel or excise duty to compensate them, meaning that their overall level of taxation would not rise. this would not break EU competition rules but would enable British hauliers to compete more fairly with their continental counterparts. This plan could raise up to £10 billion pounds a year which could be invested in the roads network. Speaking following the announcement of this proposal, Damian Collins, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Folkestone and Hythe said: “Tax payers in Folkestone and Hythe currently have to pick up the costs of foreign lorries using our roads. These costs are for road repairs and damages caused by lorries, clearing up the mess where they park overnight, and investment in measures to tackle Operation Stack. “Most foreign lorry drivers make no contribution to these costs, not even through fuel duty, as they mostly fuel up in Europe before entering the UK, and have big enough fuel tanks to return home, without the need to top up. “However, British lorry drivers will often have to pay tolls on roads in Europe. “This is unfair and this proposal from the Conservative Policy Review on Economic Competitiveness is worthy of careful consideration. “I will be discussing this with the local authorities, residents and business groups in Folkestone and Hythe to take on board there view. “I believe something must be done so that foreign lorry drivers are making a fair contribution to the costs we have to pay for their driving on our roads. “I also believe we should be looking at ways in which we can work with the Channel Tunnel and Ferry Operators to help get lorries moving more quickly after Operation Stack has been lifted. “Currently, there is no compulsion for lorries to be allowed onto ferries if they haven’t made a booking for that crossing, after Operation Stack is lifted. This means that lorries are left standing whilst ferries cross the channel with empty spaces on board. This again can create extra expense and inconvenience for local residents.”
